Erasthais Across Time

22 - The Packlands

Danielle's POV:

I sent a text to Bear, asking if he's seen Damien. "He's here, lovie. We're bonding. Do what you need to do and I'll look out for him" was all the text said. I thanked Bear and let him know I would be leaving to go to my house in the packlands for the night, and I would be back in the morning. He replied with a 'thumbs up' emoji, so I figured he was distracted. *Sigh*. What's wrong? asked Xena. It feels like we take 2 steps forward, and 5 steps back daily. Should I just let him mark me and get it over with? I asked. As much as I am your lycan, and I want to be marked and mated to our erasthai – I disagree. What you're doing is right, for you, for us. You've always looked out for our best interests – all of our best interests and I think its growing pains right now. If we overload them too much with our powers, who knows what could happen? Or even if the power will transfer...Right now, we have to be smart about things. I have a bad feeling that that burst of power sent a signal out in the universe...Take tonight and go, go to the packlands. I'll reach out to Zeus to let him know where we're going but to not let Damien know unless necessary. But, I recommend leaving Damien a note to let him know where we're going so he doesn't go berserk. What do you think? she offered. Thank you, old friend. I will listen to your advice, I said with a soft smile in my heart. Anytime sister, she said with her own smile.

I went around the house, making sure everything was where it should be and packed an overnight bag. Most of my belongings were the same between this place and my house in the packlands, but the little things were what mattered most to me. I packed the extra copies of books I had been collecting and meant to bring to the house. I packed my summer and winter cloak too. I had a feeling it would be a while before I fully settled here again, and decided after I got the packhouse set up, I would move on for a little while – maybe someplace warm, like a beach. I collected my bag and made my way to the door when I remembered what Xena said. I found an old journal and ripped a piece of paper out. "Damien, I went to the packlands. I'll be back tomorrow. ~Danielle", I wrote and left it on the mirror in the entrance hallway. I locked the bottom lock from the inside and made my way out the back entrance. I called a cab to bring me across the bridge and into Westchester. The cabbie looked like I was crazy when he dropped me off but I paid him a big tip so he left me alone. Ready Xe? I asked her, putting my bag down, and letting her shift into her wolf form. I'm looking forward to it! It's been a while since we went on a run! I feel like I've been getting atrophy, she said. Haha, okay. Do you remember the way? I asked. Duh! It's hard to get almost 300 wolves' scent out of your nose. Especially if their Alpha is there, she said, sniffing the air. Okay, okay. Just don't forget the bag this time, I said with a laugh. Ugh! That was one time! she chuffed. Haha, yes, and I'll never let you forget it. Lead the way! I said. She picked the bag up and started off with a slow jog, then picked up pace to a full run. It was an hour from where we were by car but by wolf, Xena could get there in half the time. She wanted to explore so I sat back in my mind, letting her run around – occasionally she stopped and hunted to satisfy her cravings. After an hour of her roaming, she course-corrected and made her way to the packlands in Rockland county. Mmm, fresh pine! she said, as we passed through a state park. Another 15 minutes later and we were nearing the South entrance. A few wolf cries were heard and she answered back. Guardian? Is that you? echoed a voice in my head. We turned to our left and saw a wolf, slightly smaller than we were. Hello Ernouf. Can we enter? Xena asked. Uh, certainly! Sorry – we weren't expecting you. Does the Alpha know you're here? Ernouf asked. Ernouf was Wyatt's wolf, Bolt's Gamma. No, he doesn't. This wasn't a planned trip, she said as we crossed the rampart. Oh...I see. Is that why you're alone..? Ernouf asked. Xena let out a light growl acknowledging his question but also warning him from pursuing any further. Right, okay. Well, I hope you enjoy your stay, he said. Thank you very much. We anticipate leaving tomorrow morning but plan to be back tomorrow night...with our erasthai, she told him as she walked into the packland's main village. Well, uh, we look forward to meeting them, Ernouf said, then disconnected the link. Boy, was he nosy! Xena said with a scoff, as she jogged towards our house at the north-west part of town.